Herman School of Business
Cultivate Your Passion
Sitting in the stands last night watching the Baltimore Orioles beating the Boston Red Sox was one of the most relaxing, wonderful ways I enjoy spending time. There are usually four of us that go to the games together but one is on vacation and we missed Tuck for this one.
My passion for being at a baseball game started when I was young. It was “the special thing” my Dad would take off of work for…and he would take me and my brother Pat…and we would watch “The Birds” and chat about life. I remember parking on the same street for every game we attended…walking a few blocks through the neighborhood but saving the twenty-five cent parking lot fee. Last night we drove around the block a few times until we found a meter rather than spend the twenty dollar parking lot fee. And Danny “high-fived” me saying a buck and a quarter beats a twenty!”
Even from my youth, where you sat at the game didn’t matter…every space inside the stadium was magic. People around you had the same happy buzz going on and sometimes they were there to root for the other side. Friendly jibes for me as a kid included almost getting killed in Yankee Stadium before I realized the limits of trash talking as your team was beating their team. The pace of baseball is perfect for a little chatter with your Dad, or now with my friends. Last night we discussed how making the base paths ninety feet apart is the exact right distance as the third baseman or shortstop snatched up a ball and threw a bullet to first beating the runner by half a step. And as Ramon Hernandez’ high fly ball soared over the fence and the centerfielder, Coco Crisp leaped he actually went over the fence and into the bullpen trying to catch the homer. Immediately he bounced up on the other side and grabbing the top of the fence he catapulted himself back onto the field. It wasn’t just a home run, we saw a ballet as well. Now, as I travel the country I go to many baseball games in other cities. And that has taught me much about my passion for baseball and watching the games.
At each of the last two games I went to this year…one in Minnesota and one in Oakland…at some point during the game I was compelled to call one of friends to share a certain part of the game. And that’s when I realized my passion isn’t just for what is happening on the field. It’s the sharing of the moment with someone else I enjoy. The chatting that takes place with others is always an important part of the game.
This Saturday in Baltimore the one hundredth million fan will attend the game and get one hundred thousand dollars as they walk through the turnstile. I am going to take my family and I will feel like I have won many times more than the hundred thousand dollars…because my passion is not just to be there…it is to share it with those I love.
- Posted: 21 August 2008
- Comments: 0
- Category: Running a business
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